SOLDIERS involved in the foot-and-mouth cull are to get their own fun fair to boost morale.

Part of Catterick Garrison is to be turned into a theme park by a travelling fair group. The owners of the fair hope it will give both the soldiers and the travellers a boost after the recent foot-and-mouth crisis.

Paul Evans and John Murphy had planned to bring some fairground rides to the annual Catterick Garrison open day earlier this year, but the event was cancelled because of the outbreak.

As well as soldiers working to help combat the outbreak, the area around the Garrison was closed off because of the threat of the disease spreading, meaning the open day was cancelled.

With the foot-and-mouth crisis reducing, the Garrison has given permission for a full theme park to come to the area.

Mr Evans said: "We are all looking forward to it. This is the first time they have allowed a full fun fair in Catterick. This has been an awful time for the soldiers and also for the travelling fairs.

The fair will open next to the new Tescos at the Garrison on Thursday, September 6 for a preview night, and will remain open until Monday, September 10. It will start at 6pm on weekdays and noon on weekends.

Mr Evans said he hopes a lot of people attend the fair.